22.42.100 Variances and administrative departures.
A. Administrative Departures. In no case shall a departure be granted for a minimum requirement established in this section. Where specified in this section, the zoning administrator, or public works director, as applicable, may require or allow departures from required standards in the following circumstances:
1. Where unique natural features or unique lot configuration makes it extraordinarily difficult to conform to the standards;
2. Where the project is equal or superior in design to that allowed under the general application of these standards and is consistent with the design standards, as well as all other city standards;
3. In each case above, the applicant must utilize other methods per the zoning administrator’s satisfaction that meet the intent of the applicable standard(s); and
4. In situations where administrative departures involve site grading or other engineering issues, the departure shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning administrator and public works director.
B. Variances. When an applicant requests a departure from the design standards that does not qualify for administrative approval pursuant to subsection (A) of this section, the applicant shall apply for a variance, as set forth in Chapter 22.66 MMC. An application for a variance may be made to the city of Monroe community development department on forms prescribed by the city. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))